List of Banks in Germany: Banking in Germany Made Easy

Germany has a well-established banking system with a variety of options for both personal and business accounts.

There are over 1,000 banks in Germany, ranging from large commercial banks to smaller regional banks.

Many Germans use online banking, with over 90% of banking transactions taking place digitally.

You can open a bank account in Germany with a minimum deposit of €100, and some banks offer accounts with no monthly fees.

Bank services in Germany offer a wide range of financial options, including current accounts, loans, and mortgages, which can be tailored to suit individual needs.

Most German banks provide digital and online banking options through internet services and mobile apps, making it easy to manage your finances on the go. You can access your accounts, pay bills, and transfer money with just a few clicks.

Some banks in Germany also offer expat-friendly services, including English-speaking staff and cheaper international money transfer options, which can be a big help for those living abroad.

Here are some of the key services offered by German banks:

With many banks in Germany offering online and mobile banking options, making transactions and managing your finances has never been easier.

Cash machines and ATMs in Germany are easily accessible, located at bank branches, supermarkets, shopping centers, train stations, and main streets.

Using ATMs is free, but there can be a charge of up to €5–10 if you use an ATM at a different bank.

Some banks have partner agreements for fee-free transactions, such as Deutsche Bank and Barclays.

There are 6 billion card payments in Germany every year, with debit cards being the more popular option among German consumers.

Most German banks issue Visa or Mastercard debit cards, as well as contactless cash cards (girocards) that can withdraw money at ATMs.

You can find the nearest ATM that takes Visa cards in Germany here, Mastercard here, and American Express here.

Transfers between bank accounts in Germany are usually done by standing order, direct debit, or bank transfer (Uberweisung), which are either free or low-cost.

Germany is part of the SEPA agreement, making cross-border payments as cheap and quick as a local bank transfer.

You can also use the SWIFT network to transfer money outside the EU, which takes 1-4 working days.

There are third-party payment transfer services like TransferWise that charge lower fees and offer good exchange rates.

Here's a summary of the payment methods available in Germany:

To open a German bank account, you can visit a bank branch in person, although some banks allow you to start the process online.

You'll need to provide a notarized copy of your identification, along with copies of other documents like proof of address and immigration status.

Some banks require proof of employment status, payslips, or proof that you're a student if opening a student account.

A valid visa or residence permit is a must-have document for opening a bank account in Germany.

You may also need to provide address proof, which can be a utility bill or a lease agreement.

If you're opening a student account, a valid student ID is required.

Each bank has its process for opening an account, but they all share some basic requirements and documents.

You can choose from a range of banks in Germany, each with its own set of services and fees.

If you're an English speaker looking for a German bank, you're in luck - some banks offer their banking app in English. N26, Tomorrow Bank, and Vivid Money are three German banks that offer 100% English support.

Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, and Sparkasse offer partial English support, but you may still encounter some German language options. DKB is a bit of an exception, with its banking app available in English, but everything else is in German.

Here's a breakdown of the English offer for each bank:

In Germany, you can choose from a range of banking options, including online banks, cooperative banks, and public savings banks. Online banking is a popular choice, with many banks offering digital services.

Some popular online banks in Germany include bunq, DKB, N26, Revolut, Santander, and Wise, according to the Expatica Germany directory. These banks offer convenient and straightforward online services.

If you're looking for alternative banking options, you can consider cooperative banks or public savings banks. However, keep in mind that these banks may have limited services and English-speaking staff compared to commercial banks.

Here are some popular banks in Germany for foreigners, based on a banking survey of foreigners living in Germany:

For students, some banks offer special free accounts until a certain age. For example, Commerzbank's Startkonto is free until 27 years old and includes a free credit card, while N26's Standard account is always free.

Online banking in Germany is very common and straightforward. Most German banks offer online services, making it easy to manage your finances from the comfort of your own home.

You can also find many online-only banks that have emerged in recent years, providing alternative banking options. Some examples include bunq, DKB, N26, Revolut, Santander, and Wise.

These online banks offer a range of features, including mobile banking apps and online account management. This means you can check your balance, pay bills, and transfer money with ease, all from your smartphone or computer.

If you're looking for online banking options in Germany, here are some popular choices:

If you're not sold on traditional private German banks or international banks in Germany, there are alternative options to consider. One of these is opening an account with a cooperative bank or public savings bank.

These types of banks may offer different services or rates than commercial banks, but they might not be as geared towards expats or have English-speaking staff. You can find a list of cooperative banks and public savings banks on the EU bank website.

If you're looking for a bank specifically designed for foreigners living in Germany, there are several popular options to choose from. Here are a few of the most well-known banks in Germany for foreigners:

These banks have been identified as popular choices by foreigners living in Germany, according to a banking survey.

If you're a student in Germany, you're in luck because many traditional German banks offer special free accounts for students until a certain age.

Commerzbank offers a free account called Startkonto that's available until you're 27 years old, and it even comes with a free credit card.

N26 is a popular choice for students, and its Standard account is always free, with no age limit.

Deutsche Bank's Das Junge Konto is another option, offering a free account until you're 30 years old.

ING's Studenten Girokonto is also worth considering, with a free account available until you're 28 years old.

Here are some of the best German bank accounts for students:

Bank fees in Germany can be a surprise, so it's essential to understand what you're getting into before opening an account.

Current accounts in Germany can range from being free to around €5 a month, sometimes a bit more.

Debit cards are usually free to use, but credit cards can vary between being free and costing in excess of €100 annually, plus APR fees.

Money transfer costs also vary, usually depending on where the money is going, how much is being paid, and how quickly you want it paid.

SEPA transfers are usually free, or around €5 for instant payments.

Transfers to non-EU/EFTA nations usually start at around €10, with large payments costing more.

Fees can be a real surprise when you're not expecting them. Current accounts in Germany can range from being free to around €5 a month, sometimes a bit more.

Using an ATM from your own bank is usually free, but you may be charged around €5-7 if you use an ATM from a different bank. This can add up quickly.

Debit cards are usually free to use, but credit cards can vary in cost. Some credit cards can be free, while others can cost in excess of €100 annually, plus APR fees.

Money transfer costs also vary, usually depending on where the money is going, how much is being paid, and how quickly you want it paid.

Some banks charge fees for services related to offshore accounts, such as account maintenance fees, which can range from $50 to $200 per year.

These fees can add up quickly, especially if you have multiple offshore accounts.

If you're not careful, you might end up paying hundreds of dollars in fees each year.

Banks may also charge fees for transactions in foreign currencies, which can range from 0.5% to 2% of the transaction amount.

It's essential to understand these fees and factor them into your budget to avoid any surprises.

Some banks may waive these fees if you maintain a minimum balance in your offshore account.